Cubs Claim Adrian Cardenas, Blake Dewitt Designation Puzzling

The Cubs made another intriguing move today claiming infielder Adrian Cardenas off waivers from the Athletics. The lefty hit .314 with 51 RBIs, 28 doubles, four triples, five home runs, 70 runs and a .374 on-base percentage in 127 games with Triple-A Sacramento last year.

He's the type of guy the Cubs view as better competition for the second-base job than DeWitt, who although very versatile, failed to hit for a solid average last season.

But DeWitt has potential.

The Rockieseven asked for DeWitt in talks for Ian Stewart before the Cubs dangled D.J. LeMahieu out there. LeMahieu put up good numbers in the minors, earning a major league call up in the process.

He hit .319 between 108 games at Double-A and Triple-A, with five home runs, 22 doubles and a .354 OBP. He was a touted prospect in the Cubs system and now will fight for a spot with the Rockies.

With the news that DeWitt was designated for assignment, it begs the question: Was it worth throwing in LeMahieu over DeWitt?

The Cubs are going with Darwin Barney and Jeff Baker at second base, but now Cardenas enters the mix.

I just hope the LeMahieu slip up does not come back to haunt the Cubs.

His opportunity for more playing time worsened when the Rockies acquired Marco Scutaro. He may see at-bats if Scutaro or Tulowitzki go down, which they have done in the past—but he will have to do well in a pinch-hit role or Triple-A.

He could also be used as trade bait for them.

Either way, with DeWitt off the books and LeMahieu out of the plans, we all hope that Barney can hold it down for the 2012 season.